This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Sausage recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself. Rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken, smoky kielbasa, and perfectly cooked potatoes.
Everything comes together in your slow cooker for an effortless dinner that feeds the whole family. The combination of melted cheddar and creamy sauce creates an irresistibly satisfying dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Gluten-Free
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience makes cleanup absolutely effortless and quick
- Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Sausage satisfies the whole family
- Ready in under an hour for busy weeknight dinners
- Creamy, cheesy comfort food that hits every craving perfectly
- Protein-packed meal with tender chicken and smoky kielbasa flavors
Quick Benefits
This protein-rich comfort food delivers complete nutrition with minimal effort. The slow cooker method ensures tender chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes while melding all flavors beautifully. Perfect for meal prep or feeding hungry families on busy nights.
Ingredients
- 10 red potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 14 ounces kielbasa, cut into small slices
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 10.5 ounces can cream of chicken and herbs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine diced potatoes, chicken, kielbasa, onions, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese in a lightly greased crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of chicken and herbs, sour cream, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the potato mixture and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 5 hours until the potatoes and onions have cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes.
- Once done, serve immediately and enjoy.
You Must Know
The key to perfect Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Sausage lies in browning the chicken first for enhanced flavor and ensuring uniform potato cube sizes for even cooking. Don’t skip the initial searing step as it creates a deeper, more complex taste that elevates the entire dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with crusty dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors.
For a complete comfort meal, pair with steamed broccoli or roasted green beans. The vegetables add color and nutrition while balancing the dish’s richness.
Creative Variations
- Add diced bell peppers and corn for a southwestern twist with extra vegetables
- Substitute turkey kielbasa for a lighter version without sacrificing smoky flavor
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick
- Include mushrooms and herbs for an earthy, savory variation
- Try sweet potatoes instead of red potatoes for added natural sweetness
- Add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes for extra color and nutrition
Cultural Notes
This dish represents the American tradition of hearty, one-pot comfort foods that emerged from practical cooking needs. The combination of chicken, sausage, and potatoes reflects the influence of German and Polish immigrants who brought kielbasa traditions to American kitchens, creating satisfying meals that could feed large families economically.
Pro Tips
- Cut potato cubes uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout the dish
- Brown chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper searing
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creamier texture
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving for optimal consistency
- Check potato doneness with a fork before adding cheese to prevent overcooking
- Reserve some cheese for garnish to create an appealing presentation
- Stir gently when adding cheese to prevent breaking up the tender ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Sausage recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep all ingredients the night before and refrigerate, then cook the next day. The flavors actually improve with time.
Q: What type of kielbasa works best for this recipe?
A: Polish kielbasa or smoked turkey kielbasa both work excellently. Choose based on your preference for richness and flavor intensity.
Q: Can I use low-fat dairy products to reduce calories?
A: You can substitute light sour cream and half-and-half, but the texture will be less rich and creamy than the original version.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from becoming stringy or clumpy?
A: Add cheese gradually while stirring gently, and make sure the mixture isn’t too hot when incorporating the cheese for smooth melting.
Q: Can I cook this recipe on low heat instead of high?
A: Yes, cook on low for 1 hour instead of 30 minutes on high, checking potato tenderness before adding cheese.
Health Benefits
This protein-rich meal provides essential amino acids from chicken and high-quality fats from dairy products. The potatoes contribute valuable potassium and vitamin C, while the combination creates a satisfying meal that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- High protein content supports muscle maintenance and growth
- Potatoes provide essential potassium for heart health
- Calcium from cheese supports bone strength
- Balanced macronutrients promote sustained energy levels
- Moderate sodium content when using low-sodium ingredients
Nutrition
Per serving: Calories: 685, Protein: 42g, Carbs: 38g, Fat: 41g, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 6g, Sodium: 1,245mg
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, though texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating: Reheat gently in microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent separation.
Make-Ahead: Prepare through step 5, refrigerate overnight, then continue cooking the next day. Add 10 extra minutes to cooking time if starting from cold.
Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein. Substitute cauliflower for potatoes for a low-carb version. Contains dairy and may contain gluten depending on sausage brand.
Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Sausage
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Sausage recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, though texture may change slightly upon thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent separation.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare through step 5, refrigerate overnight, then continue cooking the next day. Add 10 extra minutes to cooking time if starting from cold.
- Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein. Substitute cauliflower for potatoes for a low-carb version. Contains dairy and may contain gluten depending on sausage brand.